Sports updates: Indian distance runner Gulveer Singh exhibited a historic performance at the New York City Half Marathon on Sunday, finishing third while naming a new national record to his name in the men’s race. The 27-year-old clocked an impressive 59 minutes and 42 seconds over the 21.1 km stretch, emerging as the fastest Indian ever in the event and adding another major milestone in his rapidly rising athletics career. 

Singh trails runners from South Africa, America

In the race, Singh finished behind South African athlete Adrijaan Wildschutt, who bagged the top spot with a time of 59:30. Morocco-born American runner Zouhair Talbi claimed the second spot with 59:41. Despite the intense international competition, Singh maintained a strong pace throughout the race to secure a podium finish. 

Sports updates: Singh shatters previous record set by Avinash Sable

Notably, Singh’s timing in the race surpassed the previous Indian men’s half marathon record of 1:00:30, set by Avinash Sable at the Delhi Half Marathon in 2020. With the new achievement in Singh’s kitty, he has further strengthened his reputation as one of India’s leading long-distance runners. Currently, he is the only athlete to hold multiple national records across a wide range of events, from the 3,000 metres on the track to the 25 kilometre road race. The Asian Games medallist also holds national records in the men’s 5,000m and 10,000m track events. 

Singh eyes records in upcoming major events

Singh has enjoyed his strong form in recent athletics seasons. At the Asian Athletics Championships organised in South Korea’s Gumi, he clinched gold medals in both the 5,000m and 10,000m races. The Army athlete has been setting his sights on major international competitions later this year, including the Commonwealth Games slated for July and the Asian Games scheduled for September. 

Singh is currently training in Colorado Springs in the US, and expressed confidence about maintaining his strong form.